The avionics panel has been substantially upgraded with a Garmin 400 WAAS certified GPS, Garmin GMX-200 Multi-Function Display with Jeppesen Chartview and Safe Taxi, Skywatch Traffic Avoidance System, Honeywell RDR-2000 color weather radar with vertical profiling and a Garmin GDL-69 XM Weather Datalink. The aircraft is complete with new paint and interior conducted by Rose Aircraft of Mena, Arkansas and looks new. The aircraft is squawk free and 100% turn-key and ready to fly with no damage history and exceptional logs and records.

Please call Kristin Jolley anytime  at 954.492.3554 to discuss this King Air in more detail or schedule a viewing at our Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport location, or visit www.banyanair.com to view additional aircraft in our inventory.

By day three, everyone was starting to feel the lack of sleep and constant running.  Everyone met for breakfast at 7:30, and during breakfast Greg Rolle provided another pilot de-briefing to prepare us for the flight to Exuma.  He presented an overview of the day’s activities, including flying to George Town, Exuma and plans for lunch.  By 9:00 am we were back on the ferry on our way to the airport.

Since not all of the planes had fueled up since we left, a number of the planes made a pit stop in Marsh Harbor to fuel before the longer leg of the flight.

The flight from Abaco to Exuma was the longest flight yet and by the time we landed everyone was ready for lunch. We were met by Rhonda Ingraham and loaded onto buses for the short scenic ride to the Palm Bay Resort. The ocean looked like a magazine spread. You could hardly tell where the teal ocean met the cloudless blue sky. Everyone was already anticipating the cool ocean water after the hot flight.

Walking up to the Palm Bay Resort did not do the resort justice; it was not until you walked out the back of the resort and headed for the villa that you realized the true beauty of the location. The Resort faced east and the sun sent its reflection running over the motionless ocean.  Everyone was pulled between the idea of lunch and the idea of a dip in the waters. We all dropped our stuff off and headed back to the bus so we could catch the ferries out to Stocking Island.

Pulling up to Stocking Island made you want to stay and never leave. It was a true Bahamas location, not a single person in the group wanted to leave when the time came to depart. We had lunch at Chat N’ Chill and everyone had the opportunity to watch the locals make Conch Salad, go snorkeling, and even feed and pet sting rays.

By 4:30 we were heading back to the resort where we had time before dinner to relax. A lot of people took naps or relaxed; others kicked back at the pool or relaxed on the beach.

Dinner was held at Splash (the resort bar and restaurant). The dinner was delicious and afterwards the Bahamas Tourist Office presented Bahamas Gateway FBO specialist certificates to everyone and Bahamas jackets to the Flying Ambassadors and special guests. We also had two individuals on the trip who were celebrating their birthday, and it was arranged for two cakes to be brought out for everyone to share.

After dinner it was time to get some rest for the next morning’s 9 am departure from Exuma back to Florida.

Overall the trip was beneficial and helpful. All those who attended learned something new and have wonderful stories to share and ideas to get more pilots flying to the Bahamas. With so many islands so close to Florida, it is an opportunity you don’t want to miss, because it is truly Better in the Bahamas!

Today was the second day of the Bahamas FAM trip, and everyone met for breakfast around 7:30. Greg Rolle held a quick pilot’s de-briefing to prepare us for the next leg of the trip. He went over flight plans and requirements to ensure that all the pilots had everything they needed. After a quick breakfast everyone had about 2 hours before the bus arrived to take us back to the airport. People could either go to local shops or enjoy a morning walking along the beautiful beach!

Two hours went by too quickly and we were soon back on the bus and heading for Treasure Cay, Abaco. Watching everyone take off into the clear blue sky was something many people don’t get to see. By the time we landed at MYAT everyone was ready to take a break. We were met by Melinda Williams who broke us up into groups and put us on taxies that we took us over to a ferry. From there we took a short ferry ride to Green Turtle Cay. The water was cool, brilliantly blue and everyone was taking advantage of the beautiful photo opportunities.

If we thought Grand Bahama was amazing, pulling up to Green Turtle was breathtaking. The resort was in fact small cottages that ran along the coast line. Each one over looked the beautiful bay. Entering the resort was like entering a page in a travel magazine and the resort representatives were friendly and helpful.

The rooms were adorable, each one designed to make you feel like your home away from home. Sadly, we only had about 30 minutes before we had to board the Prozac charter boat and take the 1 ½ hour long ride down the Abaco Out Island chain to Guana Cay.

The boat ride was beautiful. The water was warm and it was a great time to socialize and talk about past experiences in the Abacos. Pulling into Guana Cay was beautiful; tiny jelly fish were swimming all around the boat and fish were darting underneath the dock. We all got off the boat and began to make our way up to Nippers for lunch and drinks.

Nippers was a beautifully colored beach bar and grill. They had an outside bar with tables overlooking the beach and ocean with two swimming pools and a gift shop. They also had a restaurant where we ate lunch before we took the boat back to Breakers Cay, which was a beautiful private island.

Arriving back at Green Turtle, everyone made their way back to their rooms, where they got ready for happy hour and dinner at the resort’s restaurant. Molly McIntosh, the Director of Sales and Marketing, made sure that everything ran smoothly. During happy hour everyone gathered in the lounge area and watched a video of the last few years on the trip while dinner was being prepared.

After dinner, the pilots were given the opportunity to tell their “best” story and if the crowd liked it, they got a bottle of Fire in da Hole bottle of rum! All the pilots told great stories and before long everyone was laughing and having a wonderful time.

After dinner was leisure time. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism had secured 10 golf carts for anyone who wanted to go into the town and explore. Even though it was late a few people chose to go into town and went to Pineapples for a few more drinks and some late night dancing, while others called it a night.

Everyone had wished that we would have had more time on the island. Many people had hoped they would have the opportunity to go diving with the world renowned Brendal Stevens from Brendal’s Dive Center…but time was already ticking by too fast!

Thursday 8-26-10

Today was the first day of the Familiarization Trip to the Bahamas, over 40 people with a total of 9 planes met at SheltAir at FLL. SheltAir provided a continental breakfast of juice, coffee, and bagels while Greg Rolle from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism debriefed the group. Greg went over the plans for the trip, handed out name tags and agenda booklets. A representative from both SheltAir and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism spoke to the group and after everyone had filed their eAPIS we were ready to go.

The flight was only about 45 min long, and we enjoyed perfect conditions. We landed in Freeport at the Grand Bahamas Airport and were greeted by a representative of the airport, line service technicians and a photographer. The line tech took our bags and after a few snap shots we were whisked off to Customs. Right outside of Customs the feel of the Bahamas was already in the air as we were greeted with Bahama Mamas and conch fitters. The passengers enjoyed the sun and music, while the pilots went inside to meet with Customs. After everyone went through Customs we boarded a bus to The Radisson Our Lucaya Resort.

The bus ride from the airport to the resort was short and the driver gave a nice overview of the island and what it had to offer for both pilots and tourists. Looking out the bus, you knew you were in the Bahamas. The houses were bright Caribbean colors of green, pink and blue.

Upon arrival at the Radisson Our Lucaya Resort it was obvious that it was a five star hotel. Checking in was quick and simple and the resort representatives directed everyone to their rooms. We all received ocean view rooms and the view was spectacular. It over looked the horse shoe pool that ran up to the ocean front.

Lunch, hosted by the Grand Bahamas Ministry of Tourism was a working lunch and Round Table Seminar. Greg Rolle led the discussions and Karen Seymour from the Grand Bahamas Ministry of Tourism welcomed us to Grand Bahama. We went around the table and everyone introduced themselves and the company they represented. There were over 40 aviation representatives.

After a short detailed presentation from James Turner, the Commerical/Business Development Director for The Grand Bahama Airport, about the island and all it has to offer, a number of the pilots/groups who lead fly-ins to the Bahamas had a lot to say about today’s reception at the airport. A number of concerns were addressed as well as a lot of positive feedback.

After the round table everyone was given about 1 ½ hours for leisure time so they could explore the island, sit by the pool, take a dip in the ocean or go shopping.

Everyone met back in the lobby later that afternoon to be transported to the Airport for a happy hour outside of thetower. We had the opportunity to tour the inside of the control tower, something that many of us had never had the chance to do before. The Grand Bahama Fire Department did a demonstration and everyone watched the sun set over the runway.

Then it was back to Port Lucaya for dinner at Luciano’s. Dinner was hosted by the Grand Bahamas Tourist Office and the Grand Bahama Promotion Board. The restaurant was excellent and the food was delicious. Everyone had a wonderful time and it gave everyone a chance to mingle.

After dinner several people chose to enjoy the night life, and others headed back to the hotel to rest up for an early start Friday morning.

While supplies last, Tropic Aero is selling their remaining Bose Aviation Headset X headsets for only $739 with free shipping. Since they have been discontinued – once they’re gone…they’re gone. To purchase a Headset X, click the link below.

Buy a Bose Aviation Headset X

If you’re in the Ft.Lauderdale area, you can stop in and purchase one at Banyan’s Pilot Shop – Hangar63.

Some of the additional benefits of the Bose A20 are:

Significantly greater noise reduction for pilots than currently available.
Improved level of comfort achieved through choice of materials, distribution of weight throughout the headset,  1/3 less clamping force than most conventional noise reducing aviation headsets, and additional room for the ears.

• Clear audio for enhanced communications.
• Now available from Bose for the first time: Bluetooth® communications interface
• Also included by Bose for the first time: auxiliary audio input.
• Priority switching so pilots can decide which audio source they want to hear.
• At least 40 hours of typical headset use from just two AA alkaline batteries
• Made in the U.S.A.
• Meets or exceeds all TSO standards.

All this, and these headsets still weigh only 12 ounces.

For more information or to purchase a Bose A20 Aviation Headset, visit Hangar63 – Banyan’s Pilot Shop or online at www.tropicaero.com.

Garmin aera 550 & Garmin GPSMAP® 495 Side-By-Side Comparison

As I mentioned, the 550 is not as fully functioning as the Garmin aero 560, but it is a more then suitable upgrade to it previous counterpart, providing the users with the option fly/drive option.

Members of Angel Flight held a meeting in the Sabal Palm conference room and before wrapping up for the day presented Banyan with a Humanitarian Award for the helping the organization. Chuck Speakman, Hangar63’s manager, was proud to accept the award and thanking Angel Flight for all they do.

Hangar63 (Banyan’s Aviation Store) was pleased with the outcome and looks forward to making this an annual event.

“We hope this type of partnership will be considered by other aviation groups who support our mission.  Partnerships with for-profit groups are a great way to team and be successful in the current economy”, says Blake Mathis, President/CEO of Angel Flight Southeast.

To find out how you can help Angel Flight, visit their website.

To keep up on all the latest Banyan events, news and more, fan us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Don Campion, president of Banyan, spoke about the team’s commitment and said, “Banyan has continued to grow even during the difficult times because our technicians exceed expectations and go above and beyond.”  He mentioned the importance of following systems and procedures which results in saving lives.

A representative from the FAA FASTeam presented the history of AMT day and the significance of Congress recognizing May 24^th as AMT Day.

Lou Homsher, Banyan’s maintenance chief inspector read the poem “The Mechanics Creed” written Jerome Lederer and all the technicians enjoyed a great lunch.

Mechanic’s Creed

UPON MY HONOR I swear that I shall hold in sacred
trust the rights and privileges conferred upon me as a
certified mechanic. Knowing full well that the safety and lives
of others are dependent upon my skill and judgment, I shall
never knowingly subject others to risks which I would not be
willing to assume for myself, or for those dear to me.

IN DISCHARGING this trust, I pledge myself never to
undertake work or approve work which I feel to be beyond
the limits of my knowledge; nor shall I allow any non certificate
superior to persuade me to approve aircraft or equipment
as airworthy against my better judgment; nor shall

I permit my judgment to be influenced by money or other
personal gain; nor shall I pass as airworthy aircraft or equipment
about which I am in doubt, either as a result of direct
inspection or uncertainty regarding the ability of others who
have worked on it to accomplish their work satisfactorily.
I REALIZE the grave responsibility which is mine as a
certified airman, to exercise my judgment on the airworthiness
of aircraft and equipment. I, therefore, pledge unyielding adherence
to these precepts for the advancement of aviation and for
the dignity of my vocation.

Thanks to the AMI GPU training, teammates will be able to provide in-depth knowledge to customers about the different units available and ensure that the correct model is purchased for the correct need.

The Revere Survival training provided teammates with valuable information about new products available and additional information about Revere products that are currently being carried at Hangar63.

To learn more about Banyan and Hangar63 (Banyan’s Aviation Store) become a Fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter